Westgate Gallery

This store makes me want to be a kid again (ok, some of my friends would say that I still am…)! It is an ecclectic mix of toys, art supplies, and art. I popped in because my nieces’ (fraternal twins) first birthday are coming up and I figured there would be something for them in this store.
The staff are always quick to greet you and let you know that there are more toys upstairs. The store is a little on the small side, so it is easy to knock things off the wall or shelves (I speak from experience… you know the scene where someone knocks something off the wall, and then when they go to fix it, they knock something off the shelf…). The reason I love the toys in this store is that they are handmade, high quality toys… lots of wooden toys. I find most toys today so… technical and they don’t allow kids to really use their imagination. I also think that kids are overstimulated… they can carry media with them now, but I think they should get time to just be kids and I think these toys are perfect for that… besides how long will it be before they have cell phones, iPods, iPads, and more iProducts?!
They have stuffed animals… beautiful, soft, plush, fun stuffed animals. There are puzzles, even brain teasers for adults, there are hand painted, wooden letters that you can use to decorate children’s rooms. Upstairs are bigger items, like wooden doll houses, castles, prams (strollers if you are American), and more technical building sets for the older children. The items are a little on the pricey side, but I think that is due to the high quality of the toys. It may not be an ‘everyday’ toy store, but it is certainly one for doting aunties and grandparents to spoil their nieces and grandchildren. I do fear that with the economic climate… and the way that there are so few shops left in Grantham that it might not get enough business to keep it open. So if you are reading this… go buy some toys!

This charming Aladdin’s cave of delights brands itself as being The Biggest Little Art Shop in the Universe. Its size is certainly deceptive, Tardis-​like even. On first arrival, you think the store ends at the counter — only to realise that there are many more delectable products in a room at the back.
This quaint old store boasts a great range of products to delight art and craft lovers young and old. Everything from paints to pastels to polymer clay.
Best of all, the staff are super friendly and knowledgeable — a rare quality missing from a lot of other places. They know their stuff and are never too busy to help you with your queries.
The prices are very reasonable too compared to other art shops.